Improvement in the methods of ornamenting soap-stone



UNITED STATES PATENT orrrcn JAMES B. T. BAKER, OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE METHODS OF ORNAMENTING SOAP-STONE.

Specification forming part of Letters.Patent No. 148, I 63, dated March 3, 1874; application filed October 31, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

formed into panels, by carved moldings, or

otherwise and consists, essentially, in polishing, japanning, gilding, or otherwise changing the surface color of the panels, and tracing, in outline, with a fine tool upon such surface any desired design.

The method I employ in carrying out my invention consists in first perfectly polishing the desired parts of the work with Scotch hone and water, and after this is dry I apply with a woolen cloth a mixture of two parts, by weight, of spirits turpentine and one part pure bees-waxthe bees-wax to be melted, and the turpentine added while the mixture is hot-such mixture to be thorougly shaken until cool. The unfinished parts are then to be cleaned with dry, fine sand-paper, and the traced lines gilded or colored, if desired.

This creates a striking and pleasing contrast, the surrounding parts and tracings be ing of the natural gray color of the stone, while the polished parts are of a very dark mottled gray and black, with a high gloss, and convey the idea of inlaid work.

I prefer to place the ornamentation upon the panels, and to gild the traced designs. As an obvious modification of my invention, the process can be reversed by polishing the surrounding parts, and leaving the panels with the ordinary finish. This method of finish can be applied to plain surfaces without theuse of carved moldings or lines but, as it is more difficult, I consider it an impracticable modification, except in rare cases, or upon large surfaces. 7

I am aware that ornamentingsoap-stone by paneling or carving the surface is not new, and I do not claim it. I am also aware that polishing with Scotch hone and water, and the employment of a polishing compound of turpentine and wax, are not new, and such I do not claim; but

YVhat I do claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The method of ornamenting soap-stone by polishing parts only of the surface, leaving the remaining portions with the natural dull ground of the stone, substantially as described, thus producing upon the surface of soap-stone stoves, or other articles made of like material, artistic designs, having the effect and appearance of inlaid work.

' JAMES B. T. BAKER. WVitnesses W. H. WORTH, B. S. RAND. 

